Albany Civics Academy: What makes Albany so Albany? Learn the ins and outs of Albany at the seven-week Albany Civics Academy, which includes a meet and greet with the Mayor, City Manager and others; tours of the fire department and police dispatch center; sewer and building codes information and more. Applications due March 21. 6:45 to 9 p.m. Thursdays March 30 to May 11. Different locations. www.albanyca.org.

Compost Giveaway: Free compost for El Cerrito residents and businesses can pick up up to 5 cubic feet of compost per household. Available while supply lasts. We will have a shovel available; however, you may want to bring one. Bring proof of residency and containers. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 18 through March 24. Recycling Center, 7501 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito. Free. 510-215-4350, www.el-cerrito.org.

Understanding Islam: Ameena Jandali, member of the Islamic Networks Group, speaks at the meeting of the West Contra Costa Branch of the AAUW. All are welcome. 10 a.m. March 18. Christ Lutheran Church, 780 Ashbury St., El Cerrito. westcontracosta-ca.aauw.net

Matinee and Stop-Motion Animation Workshop: Children’s educator and entertainer Emily Butterfly hosts a family-friendly hour of Albany FilmFest films featuring an eclectic variety of short films, including: two animations from Academy Award winners, some national 2017 AFF Youth selections, films from Albany youth filmmakers and more. After the show, kids can make their own stop-motion animation films with help from a few Legos and other materials, their imaginations, and Steve & Kate’s Camp. For kids 6 to 17 years old. 1 to 3 p.m. March 18. Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. $5 adults. $1 kids. www.albanyca.org.

LUNAFEST Film Festival: The annual LUNAFEST East Bay returns with an evening of inspiring short films by, for and about women, featuring signature Filmmaker Panel to kick off the show. A VIP reception precedes the event, location of reception given when tickets are purchased. 7:30 p.m. March 18. El Cerrito High School Performing Arts Theater, 540 Ashbury Ave., El Cerrito. $5 to $20 for films. $60 for reception and films. 510-524-9468, www.lunafest.org.

Matinee and Stop-Motion Animation Workshop: Children’s educator and entertainer Emily Butterfly hosts a family-friendly hour of Albany FilmFest films featuring an eclectic variety of short films, including: two animations from Academy Award winners, some national 2017 AFF Youth selections, films from Albany youth filmmakers and more. After the show, kids can make their own stop-motion animation films with help from a few Legos and other materials, their imaginations, and Steve and Kate’s Camp. For kids 6 to 17 years old. 1 to 3 p.m. March 18. Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. $5 adults. $1 kids. www.albanyca.org.

Albany Hill Community Discussion: Join Friends of Albany Parks as they as develop ideas for park improvement and get residents involved with maintaining Albany Hill. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 22. Albany Hills, top of Taft Street, Albany. Free. www.albanyca.org.